By Rob Salisbury

The Bayern Munich legend believes the Borussia Dortmund pairing are a force to be reckoned after watching them tear Ajax apart in the Champions League

Franz Beckenbauer has labelled Mario Gotze and Marco Reus as the strongest midfield duo in world football.

Despite Borussia Dortmund's relatively slow start to the season domestically, the youngsters have come to the fore in recent weeks as Jurgen Klopp's side have blossomed in the Champions League, something that has not gone unnoticed by the Germany legend.

"At Barcelona Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi are building a triangle," he told Bild.

"But as a classic duo there is nobody better than the prolific Reus and Gotze. How they split Ajax in the Champions League impressed me. I hope they do not succeed in Munich."

Beckenbauer was also quick towarn that regardless of Bayern's advantage in the table, Dortmund have a stronger squad than ever before and tipped a close encounter at the Allianz Arena.

"We are well advised not to boast of our superiority in the table. I think Dortmund are even better than last season. I think a draw is likely and Bayern could live with that result better than Dortmund."